The App Store doesn’t have a wishlist — you can’t save an app and get notified when its price drops. But that doesn’t mean you have to pay full price. With a few third-party tools and built-in iOS features, you can track app discounts and price drops, and get alerts the moment a paid app goes on sale or a pricey app gets cheaper.
Use a price-tracking website or app
The easiest way to track App Store prices is with a dedicated price tracker:
- Open a price-tracking site like AppSliced or AppRaven in Safari.
- Search for the app you want to track.
- Add it to your watchlist and enable notifications.
- You’ll get an alert when the price drops or the app goes free.
These trackers monitor the App Store’s price feed and maintain a history chart, so you can see whether the current price is actually a good deal or just the regular price. 9to5Mac regularly highlights standout deals it spots through these trackers.
Check the App Store’s Today tab
Apple’s editors curate the Today tab with themed collections, and price drops on notable apps often get featured. It’s not a tracker, but checking it a few times a week surfaces deals you’d otherwise miss. Also watch for “App of the Day” — featured apps sometimes launch with an introductory discount.
Use Shortcuts for custom alerts
If you prefer a DIY approach, you can build a Shortcuts automation that checks an app’s price and notifies you when it changes. It’s more work to set up, but it keeps everything on-device and free. For managing your app library, see which built-in iPhone apps you can delete to free up space for new downloads.
If it still doesn’t work
If a tracker shows a price drop but the App Store still shows the old price, wait a few hours — price changes can take time to propagate across Apple’s servers and regions. Also note that some “discounts” are actually limited-time free trials of subscriptions, not permanent price cuts. Check Apple Support’s guide to App Store purchases to understand the difference. And if you’re holding off on updates to save space, see how to completely block iOS 26 updates on iPhone.
FAQ
Why doesn’t the App Store have a wishlist?
Apple has never offered one. The closest built-in option is tapping the share button on an app and choosing “Save to Files” or adding it to a Notes list — but you won’t get price alerts.
Are price trackers safe to use?
Reputable trackers only read public App Store price data; they don’t ask for your Apple Account credentials. Never enter your Apple ID password into a third-party tracker.
Conclusion
The App Store may not have a wishlist, but price trackers fill the gap nicely. Add the apps you want to a watchlist, enable notifications, and let the deals come to you. Check the Today tab for curated picks, and always verify that a “discount” is a real price cut — not a free trial in disguise. Your wallet will thank you.
